George Michael captivated millions with his chart-topping hits and powerhouse vocals, but, according to his Wham! "George Michael was a character that he created in order for him to fulfill his artistic destiny as a songwriter and a singer and a musician. GEORGE MICHAEL DIED WORTH $128M, BUT FRIENDS SAY HE SECRETLY GAVE AWAY MILLIONS FOR DECADES: AUTHOR"But he wanted to live his life as Yog, you know, rather than as George Michael. BAND MEMBER ANDREW RIDGELEY REVEALS WHAT FANS NEVER UNDERSTOOD ABOUT GEORGE MICHAEL"People probably didn't understand the depth of his talent for a long time," he said. Although Michael famously criticized the band's first performance in China, Ridgeley said he wasn't surprised by his late friend's reaction.